This issue that has been bothering me for the last couple of months. While travelling in India, a puppy licked fresh open wound in my son's toe. He was given 4 doses of Rabies vaccine in India. He was to receive 5th dose and we were hoping to give the 5th dose here in the US. But, we were told the CDC recommendation is for 4 doses. So, he did not receive 5th dose. The puppy died about 20 days after this incident and while it was sick it bit another person trying to give it a bath (probably in an attempt to get away). So, I am wondering if he received adequate protection in case the dog had rabies. There have been cases in India where vaccination was ineffective due to improper storage and such.
- Given the dog died after 20 days and was sick for a while before that, is it possible the dog had Rabies?
- Are 4 dose recommendation only apply to vaccination manufactured in India? The WHO recommendation is still 5 doses.
- Are there are tests to check if he has adequate antibody levels? If so, should I go for it?
Thank you for answering. I have been stressing over this issue for couple of months now and I have tried to get a reasonable answer from a few doctors without luck. I have sent an email to CDC, but they have not replied either.